New approach to road works to cut disruption in Lincolnshire

A new way of managing all works on the county’s roads should help keep traffic flowing more smoothly, according to Lincolnshire County Council.

Under the proposed new rules, nearly everyone wanting to carry out works on the highways - including utility companies and the council’s own contractors - will need to apply for a permit to do so.

This permit scheme will allow the authority to impose conditions around the types of traffic management systems used and the timing and duration of the works.

Companies will also need to provide clearer and more detailed roadside signage, giving people more information about what’s happening.

The council has been trialling the scheme since March with some of its own works, as well as consulting local companies, neighbouring local authorities, district and parish councils and national businesses affected by utilities works. Special interest groups were also consulted.

Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said: “The vast majority of the works carried out on our roads are by utility companies – last year it was around 80 percent.

“This new approach will give us more control over the timing and duration of all works, helping us minimise any disruption. We could even penalise them for any unnecessary inconvenience they might cause.

“That should mean better co-ordination and that things are completed on time and to a good standard, keeping the roads open and the traffic flowing as much as possible.”

The proposals are due to be discussed by the Highways and Transport Scrutiny Committee on Monday July 11, with a final decision taken by the authority’s Executive in September 2016. If approved, the scheme is due to start in early October.